Battling Dragons are once again left to ponder, ‘what if’

STILL in his garish special edition purple kit and weary after a bruising 80 minutes, scrum-half Jonathan Evans summed it up perfectly as he reflected on Newport Gwent Dragons’ performance against Bayonne.

“We wanted to come off the field without any ‘ifs’ and without wondering what could have happened, but that’s exactly what we’ve got,” he lamented.

It’s what would have kept the players awake in the early hours of Sunday, that and the bumps and bruises after giving their all.

If only fly-half Lewis Robling had passed to wing Will Harries when the line was seemingly at his mercy in the first half.

If only they hadn’t allowed Bayonne back into the game when leading 16-6 approaching half-time.

If only full-back Tom Prydie had popped a simple pass to Tonderai Chavhanga when the former Springbok speedster had a run-in.

If only the mightily impressive Andy Tuilagi had not kicked turnover ball away when he seemed to have an overlap to his right.

If only they had sneaked over the line when the 80 minutes were gone and they rattled through 21 phases à la Munster in their pomp in search of a winner.

The Dragons put in a gutsy performance that restored some pride after a gloomy few weeks but they will also have plenty of regrets as they meet up again to try to plot the downfall of unbeaten Ulster on Friday evening.

They had the chances to add Bayonne to last year’s scalp of Perpignan but lacked the composure to nail their chances.

Yet there was much that was encouraging in their display against the Frenchmen.

Yes, it was another home defeat – a fifth in eight games – and it signals the end of their Amlin Challenge Cup campaign after just two games.

But the pack responded to recent justified criticism by, in the parlance they love, ‘fronting up’ to a pretty formidable Bayonne eight while the backs took it to their opposition and chanced their arm rather than going into their shells.

There were plenty of standout peformances, with Andy Tuilagi immense in midfield, number eight Toby Faletau getting through a mountain of work in attack and defence, blindside Tom Brown knocking Bayonne back and prop Owen Evans, on his first start, raising the question ‘where’s he been lurking?’ after impressing in the loose and the set piece.

The challenge is to maintain the standard that they set against Bayonne rather than relapsing into the displays against Cardiff Blues and the Scarlets that leave them playing catch-up in the Pro12.

The Dragons started superbly and were in front after six minutes thanks to a training- ground move that saw Tuilagi crash the ball up before swift second-phase ball allowed Brown to take a short pass from scrum-half Evans to go dashing over from 25 metres.

It was then all about the kickers, with Prydie booting a pair of penalties to go along with his conversion and Bayonne’s metronomic fly-half Benjamin Boyet striking a pair of three-pointers.

On the half-hour came the first of the Dragons’ regrets when Robling made a magnificent break but failed to give the pass to Harries on his right.

It’s possible that the wing would have been tackled by Thibault Lacroix but he should have been given the chance.

That trip to the 22 did yield another three points through the boot of Prydie, but with the Dragons in control at 16-6 they left the door ajar for the French side before the break.

Harries ran the ball when isolated in his own half rather than putting boot to ball and was turned over by lock Abdellatif Boutaty. Bayonne went on the attack and after a couple of thrusts by Gabiriele Lovobalavu it was Aussie skipper Mark Chisholm who crashed over.

Boyet converted, then added a penalty, and the Dragons had thrown away a 10-point lead that could have led to Gallic shrugs (albeit with a southern hemisphere twist) at half-time.

It was nip and tuck for all of the second half but the visitors, for whom former France Under-20s wing Marvin O’Connor had been a real threat, were just about worthy of their 22-19 lead as the clock struck 80.

Then the Dragons stole a lineout – their first of the evening – and produced what is probably their best attack of the season so far, looking after the ball and asking questions of the Bayonne defence through 21 phases that marched them 40 metres back to their own line.

In the end it was a slow death, the television match official taking his time before confirming what most feared – that the Dragons had been held up over the line.

That they didn’t go for a drop goal to share the spoils in a must-win game is commendable, and that late, late attack showed what they are capable of.

Just like the Pro12 win against Edinburgh, it wasn’t a performance that can mask the problems that exist at the region.

But the voices that roared them on in a dramatic late flurry told a story. They were far happier safe in the knowledge that their team had given it everything.

Comments

Dai the Milk
6:50pm Sun 21 Oct 12

Men against boys. It always will be as long as the not-so-super-clubs remain exclusive by retaining their names and refusing to become inclusive. No crowds = no money = no players = no success. This is the pattern until it collapses.

Men against boys. It always will be as long as the not-so-super-clubs remain exclusive by retaining their names and refusing to become inclusive. No crowds = no money = no players = no success. This is the pattern until it collapses.Dai the Milk

Men against boys. It always will be as long as the not-so-super-clubs remain exclusive by retaining their names and refusing to become inclusive. No crowds = no money = no players = no success. This is the pattern until it collapses.

Score: 0

Doberman1
8:42am Mon 22 Oct 12

"If if's and buts were Beer and Nuts, we'd have ourselves a Party!".... They aren't and we lost again.

If DE was not the coach we might not be the laughing stock of the league and on a downward spiral to nowhere.

"If if's and buts were Beer and Nuts, we'd have ourselves a Party!".... They aren't and we lost again.
If DE was not the coach we might not be the laughing stock of the league and on a downward spiral to nowhere.Doberman1

"If if's and buts were Beer and Nuts, we'd have ourselves a Party!".... They aren't and we lost again.

If DE was not the coach we might not be the laughing stock of the league and on a downward spiral to nowhere.

Score: 0

Regionalist
11:31am Mon 22 Oct 12

Dai the Milk wrote…

Men against boys. It always will be as long as the not-so-super-clubs remain exclusive by retaining their names and refusing to become inclusive. No crowds = no money = no players = no success. This is the pattern until it collapses.

An absurd view. The weakness in the regions goes much deeper than your bitterness and xenophobia I'm afraid.

[quote][p][bold]Dai the Milk[/bold] wrote:
Men against boys. It always will be as long as the not-so-super-clubs remain exclusive by retaining their names and refusing to become inclusive. No crowds = no money = no players = no success. This is the pattern until it collapses.[/p][/quote]An absurd view. The weakness in the regions goes much deeper than your bitterness and xenophobia I'm afraid.Regionalist

Dai the Milk wrote…

Men against boys. It always will be as long as the not-so-super-clubs remain exclusive by retaining their names and refusing to become inclusive. No crowds = no money = no players = no success. This is the pattern until it collapses.

An absurd view. The weakness in the regions goes much deeper than your bitterness and xenophobia I'm afraid.

Score: 0

SWBorderer
12:12pm Mon 22 Oct 12

I saw the headline "If only" and thought, if only we'd recognised the problem in the front row a couple of seasons ago we could have given our young, talented players a solid platform to play from and develop.

If only the men at the top had given Paul Turner some support instead of hanging him out to dry so they could install their puppet.

If only we had not been saddled with this hotch potch, masquerading as Regional Rugby, thought up by a foreign import with no understanding of Welsh Rugby.
If only......if only

I saw the headline "If only" and thought, if only we'd recognised the problem in the front row a couple of seasons ago we could have given our young, talented players a solid platform to play from and develop.
If only the men at the top had given Paul Turner some support instead of hanging him out to dry so they could install their puppet.
If only we had not been saddled with this hotch potch, masquerading as Regional Rugby, thought up by a foreign import with no understanding of Welsh Rugby.
If only......if onlySWBorderer

I saw the headline "If only" and thought, if only we'd recognised the problem in the front row a couple of seasons ago we could have given our young, talented players a solid platform to play from and develop.

If only the men at the top had given Paul Turner some support instead of hanging him out to dry so they could install their puppet.

If only we had not been saddled with this hotch potch, masquerading as Regional Rugby, thought up by a foreign import with no understanding of Welsh Rugby.
If only......if only

Score: 0

Linejudge
12:50pm Mon 22 Oct 12

If only, we could get rid of these negative posts.
If only, people that made remarks on here knew what they were talking about!
If only, they could go back to watching football again, because they have no idea about rugby!
Every week thousands of TRUE Dragons supporters go to watch the games and will continue to watch the games and support the Dragons irrespective of the rubbish that it posted on here.
Actually, thinking about it, most of the posts on here refuse to go and watch the Dragons....THANK GOD FOR THAT!

If only, we could get rid of these negative posts.
If only, people that made remarks on here knew what they were talking about!
If only, they could go back to watching football again, because they have no idea about rugby!
Every week thousands of TRUE Dragons supporters go to watch the games and will continue to watch the games and support the Dragons irrespective of the rubbish that it posted on here.
Actually, thinking about it, most of the posts on here refuse to go and watch the Dragons....THANK GOD FOR THAT!Linejudge

If only, we could get rid of these negative posts.
If only, people that made remarks on here knew what they were talking about!
If only, they could go back to watching football again, because they have no idea about rugby!
Every week thousands of TRUE Dragons supporters go to watch the games and will continue to watch the games and support the Dragons irrespective of the rubbish that it posted on here.
Actually, thinking about it, most of the posts on here refuse to go and watch the Dragons....THANK GOD FOR THAT!

Score: 0

Dai the Milk
1:31pm Mon 22 Oct 12

Regionalist and Linejudge.....you are part of the problem. You've been sucked in.

Regionalist and Linejudge.....you are part of the problem. You've been sucked in.Dai the Milk

Regionalist and Linejudge.....you are part of the problem. You've been sucked in.

Score: 0

Dragons den
1:40pm Mon 22 Oct 12

Linejudge.......spot on......the further away from the true supporters like us these guys stay, the better.
When they judge and criticize the Dragons it says nothing about the Dragons, it merely says something about their own need to be critical.

Linejudge.......spot on......the further away from the true supporters like us these guys stay, the better.
When they judge and criticize the Dragons it says nothing about the Dragons, it merely says something about their own need to be critical.Dragons den

Linejudge.......spot on......the further away from the true supporters like us these guys stay, the better.
When they judge and criticize the Dragons it says nothing about the Dragons, it merely says something about their own need to be critical.

Score: 0

Doberman1
2:07pm Mon 22 Oct 12

Linejudge wrote…

If only, we could get rid of these negative posts.
If only, people that made remarks on here knew what they were talking about!
If only, they could go back to watching football again, because they have no idea about rugby!
Every week thousands of TRUE Dragons supporters go to watch the games and will continue to watch the games and support the Dragons irrespective of the rubbish that it posted on here.
Actually, thinking about it, most of the posts on here refuse to go and watch the Dragons....THANK GOD FOR THAT!

ST holder who goes to every game thank you.
If only people respected others right to comment,whatever their opinion. It's called free speech, don't like it....move to China.
It's a results business professional sport and ours are not (for a long time) good enough. When I go and watch sport on a local park for free I don't mind seeing amateur behaviour and performances, when I pay to watch proffesional sport I expect to see proffesionalism, not too much to ask is it?
TRUTH HURTS?

[quote][p][bold]Linejudge[/bold] wrote:
If only, we could get rid of these negative posts.
If only, people that made remarks on here knew what they were talking about!
If only, they could go back to watching football again, because they have no idea about rugby!
Every week thousands of TRUE Dragons supporters go to watch the games and will continue to watch the games and support the Dragons irrespective of the rubbish that it posted on here.
Actually, thinking about it, most of the posts on here refuse to go and watch the Dragons....THANK GOD FOR THAT![/p][/quote]ST holder who goes to every game thank you.
If only people respected others right to comment,whatever their opinion. It's called free speech, don't like it....move to China.
It's a results business professional sport and ours are not (for a long time) good enough. When I go and watch sport on a local park for free I don't mind seeing amateur behaviour and performances, when I pay to watch proffesional sport I expect to see proffesionalism, not too much to ask is it?
TRUTH HURTS?Doberman1

Linejudge wrote…

If only, we could get rid of these negative posts.
If only, people that made remarks on here knew what they were talking about!
If only, they could go back to watching football again, because they have no idea about rugby!
Every week thousands of TRUE Dragons supporters go to watch the games and will continue to watch the games and support the Dragons irrespective of the rubbish that it posted on here.
Actually, thinking about it, most of the posts on here refuse to go and watch the Dragons....THANK GOD FOR THAT!

ST holder who goes to every game thank you.
If only people respected others right to comment,whatever their opinion. It's called free speech, don't like it....move to China.
It's a results business professional sport and ours are not (for a long time) good enough. When I go and watch sport on a local park for free I don't mind seeing amateur behaviour and performances, when I pay to watch proffesional sport I expect to see proffesionalism, not too much to ask is it?
TRUTH HURTS?

Score: 0

Dragons den
3:10pm Mon 22 Oct 12

“Free speech”…. that was exactly portrayed by Line judge of “China”…..
Doberman1…Give your Season ticket to someone who will support and cheer on our boys through this very difficult (injury strewn time) and to someone who will help stamp out the outrageous negativity that we see on here.
And then they can join the rest of us ST’s who will be at the Parade and away matches doing our little bit to help the boys along the way and up the table.
In my experience, there is only one motivation and that is desire and I believe the Dragons have plenty of desire on that pitch and thousands of other supporters have the desire to support them doing it .

“Free speech”…. that was exactly portrayed by Line judge of “China”…..
Doberman1…Give your Season ticket to someone who will support and cheer on our boys through this very difficult (injury strewn time) and to someone who will help stamp out the outrageous negativity that we see on here.
And then they can join the rest of us ST’s who will be at the Parade and away matches doing our little bit to help the boys along the way and up the table.
In my experience, there is only one motivation and that is desire and I believe the Dragons have plenty of desire on that pitch and thousands of other supporters have the desire to support them doing it .Dragons den

“Free speech”…. that was exactly portrayed by Line judge of “China”…..
Doberman1…Give your Season ticket to someone who will support and cheer on our boys through this very difficult (injury strewn time) and to someone who will help stamp out the outrageous negativity that we see on here.
And then they can join the rest of us ST’s who will be at the Parade and away matches doing our little bit to help the boys along the way and up the table.
In my experience, there is only one motivation and that is desire and I believe the Dragons have plenty of desire on that pitch and thousands of other supporters have the desire to support them doing it .

Score: 0

Linejudge
3:15pm Mon 22 Oct 12

Dragons den......it will fall on deaf ears...

Dragons den......it will fall on deaf ears...Linejudge

Dragons den......it will fall on deaf ears...

Score: 0

ten2two
3:48pm Mon 22 Oct 12

Im sorry but i agree with Doberman1, Im also a season ticket holder, and how people can be so positive is beyond me! Yes we have injury problems but even with a fully fit front row we will struggle to provide any sort of platform, are set piece is a laughing stock and without that we cant compete, end of story. I still support and cheer, i'm just frustrated with how things are going, and any other fan would feel the same IMO

Im sorry but i agree with Doberman1, Im also a season ticket holder, and how people can be so positive is beyond me! Yes we have injury problems but even with a fully fit front row we will struggle to provide any sort of platform, are set piece is a laughing stock and without that we cant compete, end of story. I still support and cheer, i'm just frustrated with how things are going, and any other fan would feel the same IMOten2two

Im sorry but i agree with Doberman1, Im also a season ticket holder, and how people can be so positive is beyond me! Yes we have injury problems but even with a fully fit front row we will struggle to provide any sort of platform, are set piece is a laughing stock and without that we cant compete, end of story. I still support and cheer, i'm just frustrated with how things are going, and any other fan would feel the same IMO

Score: 0

Doberman1
3:50pm Mon 22 Oct 12

Dragons den wrote…

“Free speech”…. that was exactly portrayed by Line judge of “China”…..
Doberman1…Give your Season ticket to someone who will support and cheer on our boys through this very difficult (injury strewn time) and to someone who will help stamp out the outrageous negativity that we see on here.
And then they can join the rest of us ST’s who will be at the Parade and away matches doing our little bit to help the boys along the way and up the table.
In my experience, there is only one motivation and that is desire and I believe the Dragons have plenty of desire on that pitch and thousands of other supporters have the desire to support them doing it .

More from the DE apologists who simply refuse to accept a counter argument.
I offer you the opportunity to talk us through what exactly DE has achieved since taking over.

Keep a close eye on those "thousands" you refer to, won't be long before they dwindle away,fed up with another defeat as a result of the same old lack of proffesionalism...lo
ts of desire though.

For the record, on match days I think I cheer for my team as loudly as anyone, always around the 22 on the Hazell Terrace at the changing room end. A lot closer to the pitch than DE ever gets.

[quote][p][bold]Dragons den[/bold] wrote:
“Free speech”…. that was exactly portrayed by Line judge of “China”…..
Doberman1…Give your Season ticket to someone who will support and cheer on our boys through this very difficult (injury strewn time) and to someone who will help stamp out the outrageous negativity that we see on here.
And then they can join the rest of us ST’s who will be at the Parade and away matches doing our little bit to help the boys along the way and up the table.
In my experience, there is only one motivation and that is desire and I believe the Dragons have plenty of desire on that pitch and thousands of other supporters have the desire to support them doing it .[/p][/quote]More from the DE apologists who simply refuse to accept a counter argument.
I offer you the opportunity to talk us through what exactly DE has achieved since taking over.
Keep a close eye on those "thousands" you refer to, won't be long before they dwindle away,fed up with another defeat as a result of the same old lack of proffesionalism...lo
ts of desire though.
For the record, on match days I think I cheer for my team as loudly as anyone, always around the 22 on the Hazell Terrace at the changing room end. A lot closer to the pitch than DE ever gets.Doberman1

Dragons den wrote…

“Free speech”…. that was exactly portrayed by Line judge of “China”…..
Doberman1…Give your Season ticket to someone who will support and cheer on our boys through this very difficult (injury strewn time) and to someone who will help stamp out the outrageous negativity that we see on here.
And then they can join the rest of us ST’s who will be at the Parade and away matches doing our little bit to help the boys along the way and up the table.
In my experience, there is only one motivation and that is desire and I believe the Dragons have plenty of desire on that pitch and thousands of other supporters have the desire to support them doing it .

More from the DE apologists who simply refuse to accept a counter argument.
I offer you the opportunity to talk us through what exactly DE has achieved since taking over.

Keep a close eye on those "thousands" you refer to, won't be long before they dwindle away,fed up with another defeat as a result of the same old lack of proffesionalism...lo
ts of desire though.

For the record, on match days I think I cheer for my team as loudly as anyone, always around the 22 on the Hazell Terrace at the changing room end. A lot closer to the pitch than DE ever gets.

Score: 0

corpardguy
4:50pm Mon 22 Oct 12

Once again a gutsy performance in the first and last 20 mins. Great that we didn't give up, but what happens in the middle 40??
We don't seem to have a game plan/style/cohesion, its just go out and play a game of rugby, Oh and try and win it by spoiling the other teams possession.
The article says the first try was a training ground move, do we have any others??? The boys are fit enough and they can hold their own in the loose against a lot of the Rabo 12 outfits, but where's the game plan built around the team strengths?
We have a good (and pretty well covered) back row and a set of backs to be proud of topped off by a really good back three, thats a good deal more than a lot of the rest of the Rabo.have.
I reckon after Xmas young Robbling will be a much better distributor and be moving the line well. However he needs a good run there now with young Jones coming on after 65 mins (or Off after 40)depending how the match is going!
If we are winning by that much again just before half time, stop kicking, take all the tackles and KEEP possession at every opportunity. , Second half start playing rugby again..... but no scoring against us in the last 10 mins of the half, its too important.
We need to win either ugly or pretty, but no more HOME losses.

Once again a gutsy performance in the first and last 20 mins. Great that we didn't give up, but what happens in the middle 40??
We don't seem to have a game plan/style/cohesion, its just go out and play a game of rugby, Oh and try and win it by spoiling the other teams possession.
The article says the first try was a training ground move, do we have any others??? The boys are fit enough and they can hold their own in the loose against a lot of the Rabo 12 outfits, but where's the game plan built around the team strengths?
We have a good (and pretty well covered) back row and a set of backs to be proud of topped off by a really good back three, thats a good deal more than a lot of the rest of the Rabo.have.
I reckon after Xmas young Robbling will be a much better distributor and be moving the line well. However he needs a good run there now with young Jones coming on after 65 mins (or Off after 40)depending how the match is going!
If we are winning by that much again just before half time, stop kicking, take all the tackles and KEEP possession at every opportunity. , Second half start playing rugby again..... but no scoring against us in the last 10 mins of the half, its too important.
We need to win either ugly or pretty, but no more HOME losses.corpardguy

Once again a gutsy performance in the first and last 20 mins. Great that we didn't give up, but what happens in the middle 40??
We don't seem to have a game plan/style/cohesion, its just go out and play a game of rugby, Oh and try and win it by spoiling the other teams possession.
The article says the first try was a training ground move, do we have any others??? The boys are fit enough and they can hold their own in the loose against a lot of the Rabo 12 outfits, but where's the game plan built around the team strengths?
We have a good (and pretty well covered) back row and a set of backs to be proud of topped off by a really good back three, thats a good deal more than a lot of the rest of the Rabo.have.
I reckon after Xmas young Robbling will be a much better distributor and be moving the line well. However he needs a good run there now with young Jones coming on after 65 mins (or Off after 40)depending how the match is going!
If we are winning by that much again just before half time, stop kicking, take all the tackles and KEEP possession at every opportunity. , Second half start playing rugby again..... but no scoring against us in the last 10 mins of the half, its too important.
We need to win either ugly or pretty, but no more HOME losses.

Score: 0

Robert Shillabeer
5:51pm Mon 22 Oct 12

Linejudge wrote…

If only, we could get rid of these negative posts.
If only, people that made remarks on here knew what they were talking about!
If only, they could go back to watching football again, because they have no idea about rugby!
Every week thousands of TRUE Dragons supporters go to watch the games and will continue to watch the games and support the Dragons irrespective of the rubbish that it posted on here.
Actually, thinking about it, most of the posts on here refuse to go and watch the Dragons....THANK GOD FOR THAT!

Linejudge, you have made my day. so there are some out there who think the same as me. The Dragons did very well on Saturday and it would have taken only a few more inches to have won that game with a supeb but fruitless effort by the pack. Iwonder what the comment would have been had we scored that try at the end? Perhaps there would not have been any comments from the non supporters or am I being a bit hard on them as they would have been full of praise for a hard fought win. Getting a bit fed up with all the negativity being posted and the threat not to use or renew thier season tickets does make me wonder exactly whatright hav they to comment on a side they refuse to support in the first place, SW excused as he lives so far away, but some more real support would be nice.

[quote][p][bold]Linejudge[/bold] wrote:
If only, we could get rid of these negative posts.
If only, people that made remarks on here knew what they were talking about!
If only, they could go back to watching football again, because they have no idea about rugby!
Every week thousands of TRUE Dragons supporters go to watch the games and will continue to watch the games and support the Dragons irrespective of the rubbish that it posted on here.
Actually, thinking about it, most of the posts on here refuse to go and watch the Dragons....THANK GOD FOR THAT![/p][/quote]Linejudge, you have made my day. so there are some out there who think the same as me. The Dragons did very well on Saturday and it would have taken only a few more inches to have won that game with a supeb but fruitless effort by the pack. Iwonder what the comment would have been had we scored that try at the end? Perhaps there would not have been any comments from the non supporters or am I being a bit hard on them as they would have been full of praise for a hard fought win. Getting a bit fed up with all the negativity being posted and the threat not to use or renew thier season tickets does make me wonder exactly whatright hav they to comment on a side they refuse to support in the first place, SW excused as he lives so far away, but some more real support would be nice.Robert Shillabeer

Linejudge wrote…

If only, we could get rid of these negative posts.
If only, people that made remarks on here knew what they were talking about!
If only, they could go back to watching football again, because they have no idea about rugby!
Every week thousands of TRUE Dragons supporters go to watch the games and will continue to watch the games and support the Dragons irrespective of the rubbish that it posted on here.
Actually, thinking about it, most of the posts on here refuse to go and watch the Dragons....THANK GOD FOR THAT!

Linejudge, you have made my day. so there are some out there who think the same as me. The Dragons did very well on Saturday and it would have taken only a few more inches to have won that game with a supeb but fruitless effort by the pack. Iwonder what the comment would have been had we scored that try at the end? Perhaps there would not have been any comments from the non supporters or am I being a bit hard on them as they would have been full of praise for a hard fought win. Getting a bit fed up with all the negativity being posted and the threat not to use or renew thier season tickets does make me wonder exactly whatright hav they to comment on a side they refuse to support in the first place, SW excused as he lives so far away, but some more real support would be nice.

Score: 0

Monster Munch McCoy
5:56pm Mon 22 Oct 12

Linejudge wrote…

Dragons den......it will fall on deaf ears...

Linejudge and Dragons Den. I think you will find most people who criticise are true supporters and mainly ST holders. Thats why they are so passionate about the way the region has been going downhill for the past season and a half and why they criticise on these threats and call for change. They want and expect better performances from a professional team. They also turn up each week rain or shine a support the team.
They do not want to criticise each week and would prefer to be talking about great victories but the frustration with the results and performance and lack of direction is driving the view on these threads. I am a very optomistic person but can see very little at the dragons at present that shows me there is better to come in the near future (apart from the 6 pint dispenser in the Watkins bar that has sped things up a bit).
Balance view from Saturday:
Pros
A better performance
Andy T's best game.
Owen Evans look decent
Cons
We still lost
Chav never got the ball (Sell him and use the money on the front row). Not his fault but an unnecessary expense at present.
Nimmo is not living up to expectation.

COME ON THE DRAGONS!!!!

[quote][p][bold]Linejudge[/bold] wrote:
Dragons den......it will fall on deaf ears...[/p][/quote]Linejudge and Dragons Den. I think you will find most people who criticise are true supporters and mainly ST holders. Thats why they are so passionate about the way the region has been going downhill for the past season and a half and why they criticise on these threats and call for change. They want and expect better performances from a professional team. They also turn up each week rain or shine a support the team.
They do not want to criticise each week and would prefer to be talking about great victories but the frustration with the results and performance and lack of direction is driving the view on these threads. I am a very optomistic person but can see very little at the dragons at present that shows me there is better to come in the near future (apart from the 6 pint dispenser in the Watkins bar that has sped things up a bit).
Balance view from Saturday:
Pros
A better performance
Andy T's best game.
Owen Evans look decent
Cons
We still lost
Chav never got the ball (Sell him and use the money on the front row). Not his fault but an unnecessary expense at present.
Nimmo is not living up to expectation.
COME ON THE DRAGONS!!!!Monster Munch McCoy

Linejudge wrote…

Dragons den......it will fall on deaf ears...

Linejudge and Dragons Den. I think you will find most people who criticise are true supporters and mainly ST holders. Thats why they are so passionate about the way the region has been going downhill for the past season and a half and why they criticise on these threats and call for change. They want and expect better performances from a professional team. They also turn up each week rain or shine a support the team.
They do not want to criticise each week and would prefer to be talking about great victories but the frustration with the results and performance and lack of direction is driving the view on these threads. I am a very optomistic person but can see very little at the dragons at present that shows me there is better to come in the near future (apart from the 6 pint dispenser in the Watkins bar that has sped things up a bit).
Balance view from Saturday:
Pros
A better performance
Andy T's best game.
Owen Evans look decent
Cons
We still lost
Chav never got the ball (Sell him and use the money on the front row). Not his fault but an unnecessary expense at present.
Nimmo is not living up to expectation.

COME ON THE DRAGONS!!!!

Score: 0

number12
9:37pm Mon 22 Oct 12

Doberman1 wrote…

Linejudge wrote…

If only, we could get rid of these negative posts.
If only, people that made remarks on here knew what they were talking about!
If only, they could go back to watching football again, because they have no idea about rugby!
Every week thousands of TRUE Dragons supporters go to watch the games and will continue to watch the games and support the Dragons irrespective of the rubbish that it posted on here.
Actually, thinking about it, most of the posts on here refuse to go and watch the Dragons....THANK GOD FOR THAT!

ST holder who goes to every game thank you.
If only people respected others right to comment,whatever their opinion. It's called free speech, don't like it....move to China.
It's a results business professional sport and ours are not (for a long time) good enough. When I go and watch sport on a local park for free I don't mind seeing amateur behaviour and performances, when I pay to watch proffesional sport I expect to see proffesionalism, not too much to ask is it?
TRUTH HURTS?

good comeback! summed it all up rather well I thought!

[quote][p][bold]Doberman1[/bold] wrote:
[quote][p][bold]Linejudge[/bold] wrote:
If only, we could get rid of these negative posts.
If only, people that made remarks on here knew what they were talking about!
If only, they could go back to watching football again, because they have no idea about rugby!
Every week thousands of TRUE Dragons supporters go to watch the games and will continue to watch the games and support the Dragons irrespective of the rubbish that it posted on here.
Actually, thinking about it, most of the posts on here refuse to go and watch the Dragons....THANK GOD FOR THAT![/p][/quote]ST holder who goes to every game thank you.
If only people respected others right to comment,whatever their opinion. It's called free speech, don't like it....move to China.
It's a results business professional sport and ours are not (for a long time) good enough. When I go and watch sport on a local park for free I don't mind seeing amateur behaviour and performances, when I pay to watch proffesional sport I expect to see proffesionalism, not too much to ask is it?
TRUTH HURTS?[/p][/quote]good comeback! summed it all up rather well I thought!number12

Doberman1 wrote…

Linejudge wrote…

If only, we could get rid of these negative posts.
If only, people that made remarks on here knew what they were talking about!
If only, they could go back to watching football again, because they have no idea about rugby!
Every week thousands of TRUE Dragons supporters go to watch the games and will continue to watch the games and support the Dragons irrespective of the rubbish that it posted on here.
Actually, thinking about it, most of the posts on here refuse to go and watch the Dragons....THANK GOD FOR THAT!

ST holder who goes to every game thank you.
If only people respected others right to comment,whatever their opinion. It's called free speech, don't like it....move to China.
It's a results business professional sport and ours are not (for a long time) good enough. When I go and watch sport on a local park for free I don't mind seeing amateur behaviour and performances, when I pay to watch proffesional sport I expect to see proffesionalism, not too much to ask is it?
TRUTH HURTS?

good comeback! summed it all up rather well I thought!

Score: 0

Dragons den
10:11pm Mon 22 Oct 12

Robert ... It would seem that loyal ST's don't really want to criticise but feel the have to!
Arrh.... How sweet , one day they will realise that all the **** and negative comments are not doing anyone any favours.
Thank god those that can influence the Dragons don't listen to this crap !

Robert ... It would seem that loyal ST's don't really want to criticise but feel the have to!
Arrh.... How sweet , one day they will realise that all the **** and negative comments are not doing anyone any favours.
Thank god those that can influence the Dragons don't listen to this crap !Dragons den

Robert ... It would seem that loyal ST's don't really want to criticise but feel the have to!
Arrh.... How sweet , one day they will realise that all the **** and negative comments are not doing anyone any favours.
Thank god those that can influence the Dragons don't listen to this crap !

Score: 0

Doberman1
10:58pm Mon 22 Oct 12

Dragons den wrote…

Robert ... It would seem that loyal ST's don't really want to criticise but feel the have to!
Arrh.... How sweet , one day they will realise that all the **** and negative comments are not doing anyone any favours.
Thank god those that can influence the Dragons don't listen to this crap !

And burying your head in the sand whilst wearing your rose tinted specs is clearly the way forward. Let's excuse abject results with a shrug of the shoulders and the hope that it might get better soon, without ever offering a view as to how to improve. Your whole approach smacks of the Rugby Club committees of yesteryear, amateurish.
Let's hope that you are never anything to do with a proffesional sports team, your lofty aspirations at being content at the bottom of the league will no doubt be a real selling point to potential major sponsors or investors...."come and put your money into my team, we never win but we try hard", will really have them rushing to be associated with us.
Let's hope those in charge at the Dragons do not get infected with your lack of ambition....or are they already?

[quote][p][bold]Dragons den[/bold] wrote:
Robert ... It would seem that loyal ST's don't really want to criticise but feel the have to!
Arrh.... How sweet , one day they will realise that all the **** and negative comments are not doing anyone any favours.
Thank god those that can influence the Dragons don't listen to this crap ![/p][/quote]And burying your head in the sand whilst wearing your rose tinted specs is clearly the way forward. Let's excuse abject results with a shrug of the shoulders and the hope that it might get better soon, without ever offering a view as to how to improve. Your whole approach smacks of the Rugby Club committees of yesteryear, amateurish.
Let's hope that you are never anything to do with a proffesional sports team, your lofty aspirations at being content at the bottom of the league will no doubt be a real selling point to potential major sponsors or investors...."come and put your money into my team, we never win but we try hard", will really have them rushing to be associated with us.
Let's hope those in charge at the Dragons do not get infected with your lack of ambition....or are they already?Doberman1

Dragons den wrote…

Robert ... It would seem that loyal ST's don't really want to criticise but feel the have to!
Arrh.... How sweet , one day they will realise that all the **** and negative comments are not doing anyone any favours.
Thank god those that can influence the Dragons don't listen to this crap !

And burying your head in the sand whilst wearing your rose tinted specs is clearly the way forward. Let's excuse abject results with a shrug of the shoulders and the hope that it might get better soon, without ever offering a view as to how to improve. Your whole approach smacks of the Rugby Club committees of yesteryear, amateurish.
Let's hope that you are never anything to do with a proffesional sports team, your lofty aspirations at being content at the bottom of the league will no doubt be a real selling point to potential major sponsors or investors...."come and put your money into my team, we never win but we try hard", will really have them rushing to be associated with us.
Let's hope those in charge at the Dragons do not get infected with your lack of ambition....or are they already?

Score: 0

Robert Shillabeer
11:51pm Mon 22 Oct 12

Doberman it is nothing to do with toeing the line or sticking ones head in the sand. It's about being fair to all points of view. Most views expressed have been critical without having insider knowledge, my views suffer the same condition so it is purely my view of things. The last game we were very unlucky not to get that try, praise is due to the team for the effort. The ref made a few decisions early on that we're very questionable, but there were more decisions that could have been questioned by both sides, that's the nature of games were ref decisions effect the end result. As the old saying goes s**t sticks, ok we move on. To ridicule the effort is unforgivable, total commitment from all the team was evident and must be praised, because to cry that down as many have on this site is to destroy ant hope for the future.

Doberman it is nothing to do with toeing the line or sticking ones head in the sand. It's about being fair to all points of view. Most views expressed have been critical without having insider knowledge, my views suffer the same condition so it is purely my view of things. The last game we were very unlucky not to get that try, praise is due to the team for the effort. The ref made a few decisions early on that we're very questionable, but there were more decisions that could have been questioned by both sides, that's the nature of games were ref decisions effect the end result. As the old saying goes s**t sticks, ok we move on. To ridicule the effort is unforgivable, total commitment from all the team was evident and must be praised, because to cry that down as many have on this site is to destroy ant hope for the future.Robert Shillabeer

Doberman it is nothing to do with toeing the line or sticking ones head in the sand. It's about being fair to all points of view. Most views expressed have been critical without having insider knowledge, my views suffer the same condition so it is purely my view of things. The last game we were very unlucky not to get that try, praise is due to the team for the effort. The ref made a few decisions early on that we're very questionable, but there were more decisions that could have been questioned by both sides, that's the nature of games were ref decisions effect the end result. As the old saying goes s**t sticks, ok we move on. To ridicule the effort is unforgivable, total commitment from all the team was evident and must be praised, because to cry that down as many have on this site is to destroy ant hope for the future.

Score: 0

Doberman1
8:45am Tue 23 Oct 12

Robert Shillabeer wrote…

Doberman it is nothing to do with toeing the line or sticking ones head in the sand. It's about being fair to all points of view. Most views expressed have been critical without having insider knowledge, my views suffer the same condition so it is purely my view of things. The last game we were very unlucky not to get that try, praise is due to the team for the effort. The ref made a few decisions early on that we're very questionable, but there were more decisions that could have been questioned by both sides, that's the nature of games were ref decisions effect the end result. As the old saying goes s**t sticks, ok we move on. To ridicule the effort is unforgivable, total commitment from all the team was evident and must be praised, because to cry that down as many have on this site is to destroy ant hope for the future.

Robert - in the case of the last game I acknowledged the effort of the team as you will see on the result thread. I wil always acknowledge effort when I see it as I will always support my team whilst watching them.
All the other things you elude to such as ref's, the "nearly try", injuries etc happen to every other club in sport week in week out and in my view they tend to balance out across all clubs in a season.....but we are still bottom of the league (not even considering zebre)...why is that?
I could provide a long list of club related stuff which confirms amateur attitudes exist from the top down and certainly does nothing to suggest a proffesional approach is taken to anything at RP. But the main thrux of my (and loads of others) supposed negativity is in relation to DE who, like it or not is responsible for preparing the team and thus responsible for the results. In any proffesional sporting team the coach has to be responsible for results and in any proffesional team who had the results we have had under DE the coach would be removed from position. He has a contract which has to be dealt with...so it needs to be dealt with, not put up as an excuse for no action.
I have asked you and others to explain what DE has done in terms of progression of the team, no response yet.
Effort is one thing but sadly it does not win games alone, we need more. DE is out of his depth, it was a trial that simply has not worked and needs to be ended otherwise prepare for more defeats, more frustration, dwindling crowds leading to more financial issues and all that comes with it.
To your other point about Toby and Dan....do you really believe they will stick with us? I would wager they will be gone at the end of the season, sadly.

[quote][p][bold]Robert Shillabeer[/bold] wrote:
Doberman it is nothing to do with toeing the line or sticking ones head in the sand. It's about being fair to all points of view. Most views expressed have been critical without having insider knowledge, my views suffer the same condition so it is purely my view of things. The last game we were very unlucky not to get that try, praise is due to the team for the effort. The ref made a few decisions early on that we're very questionable, but there were more decisions that could have been questioned by both sides, that's the nature of games were ref decisions effect the end result. As the old saying goes s**t sticks, ok we move on. To ridicule the effort is unforgivable, total commitment from all the team was evident and must be praised, because to cry that down as many have on this site is to destroy ant hope for the future.[/p][/quote]Robert - in the case of the last game I acknowledged the effort of the team as you will see on the result thread. I wil always acknowledge effort when I see it as I will always support my team whilst watching them.
All the other things you elude to such as ref's, the "nearly try", injuries etc happen to every other club in sport week in week out and in my view they tend to balance out across all clubs in a season.....but we are still bottom of the league (not even considering zebre)...why is that?
I could provide a long list of club related stuff which confirms amateur attitudes exist from the top down and certainly does nothing to suggest a proffesional approach is taken to anything at RP. But the main thrux of my (and loads of others) supposed negativity is in relation to DE who, like it or not is responsible for preparing the team and thus responsible for the results. In any proffesional sporting team the coach has to be responsible for results and in any proffesional team who had the results we have had under DE the coach would be removed from position. He has a contract which has to be dealt with...so it needs to be dealt with, not put up as an excuse for no action.
I have asked you and others to explain what DE has done in terms of progression of the team, no response yet.
Effort is one thing but sadly it does not win games alone, we need more. DE is out of his depth, it was a trial that simply has not worked and needs to be ended otherwise prepare for more defeats, more frustration, dwindling crowds leading to more financial issues and all that comes with it.
To your other point about Toby and Dan....do you really believe they will stick with us? I would wager they will be gone at the end of the season, sadly.Doberman1

Robert Shillabeer wrote…

Doberman it is nothing to do with toeing the line or sticking ones head in the sand. It's about being fair to all points of view. Most views expressed have been critical without having insider knowledge, my views suffer the same condition so it is purely my view of things. The last game we were very unlucky not to get that try, praise is due to the team for the effort. The ref made a few decisions early on that we're very questionable, but there were more decisions that could have been questioned by both sides, that's the nature of games were ref decisions effect the end result. As the old saying goes s**t sticks, ok we move on. To ridicule the effort is unforgivable, total commitment from all the team was evident and must be praised, because to cry that down as many have on this site is to destroy ant hope for the future.

Robert - in the case of the last game I acknowledged the effort of the team as you will see on the result thread. I wil always acknowledge effort when I see it as I will always support my team whilst watching them.
All the other things you elude to such as ref's, the "nearly try", injuries etc happen to every other club in sport week in week out and in my view they tend to balance out across all clubs in a season.....but we are still bottom of the league (not even considering zebre)...why is that?
I could provide a long list of club related stuff which confirms amateur attitudes exist from the top down and certainly does nothing to suggest a proffesional approach is taken to anything at RP. But the main thrux of my (and loads of others) supposed negativity is in relation to DE who, like it or not is responsible for preparing the team and thus responsible for the results. In any proffesional sporting team the coach has to be responsible for results and in any proffesional team who had the results we have had under DE the coach would be removed from position. He has a contract which has to be dealt with...so it needs to be dealt with, not put up as an excuse for no action.
I have asked you and others to explain what DE has done in terms of progression of the team, no response yet.
Effort is one thing but sadly it does not win games alone, we need more. DE is out of his depth, it was a trial that simply has not worked and needs to be ended otherwise prepare for more defeats, more frustration, dwindling crowds leading to more financial issues and all that comes with it.
To your other point about Toby and Dan....do you really believe they will stick with us? I would wager they will be gone at the end of the season, sadly.

Score: 0

RobFord
9:14am Tue 23 Oct 12

I've been supporting rugby at Newport for a very long time and have had a ST most of the time, but this is my last year, I've had enough. The crowd last weekend was just over 4000, so so poor for what was meant to be an enlargement of numbers when 'regional' rugby was introduced. NEWPORT GD's have failed since its inception and Newport RFC prior to this, with the exception of the Brown years, was a poor team also for a long time. The record and facts are there and yes coaching is vital, but it is the poor management that is ultimately responsible for creating success and they have failed consistently. I understand perfectly that the WRU have been selfish by creating success for the national side at the expense of so-called 'regional rugby' but like many supporters I have no time for the people in charge, they have no idea to run rugby as a business since the turn to professionalism. Okay Tony Brown is the exception, but he should have got rid of the old amateurs and developed a good business plan by bringing in other business interests. For me and I think for many others judging by the lack of numbers at RP it may not have been so bad if there had been more honesty about 'regional' rugby. They are mostly club based and even the O's have a Swansea base. This isn't just a Newport issue, as we know Welsh rugby at club level is and has been in crisis for years and whilst this goes on the WRU by selling tickets via ticketmaster for Welsh games is a disgrace because the expense of those tickets have also alienated many supporters from the game. I think that new euro shirt is very apt because it truly reflects the mess that is NEWPORT GD's.

I've been supporting rugby at Newport for a very long time and have had a ST most of the time, but this is my last year, I've had enough. The crowd last weekend was just over 4000, so so poor for what was meant to be an enlargement of numbers when 'regional' rugby was introduced. NEWPORT GD's have failed since its inception and Newport RFC prior to this, with the exception of the Brown years, was a poor team also for a long time. The record and facts are there and yes coaching is vital, but it is the poor management that is ultimately responsible for creating success and they have failed consistently. I understand perfectly that the WRU have been selfish by creating success for the national side at the expense of so-called 'regional rugby' but like many supporters I have no time for the people in charge, they have no idea to run rugby as a business since the turn to professionalism. Okay Tony Brown is the exception, but he should have got rid of the old amateurs and developed a good business plan by bringing in other business interests. For me and I think for many others judging by the lack of numbers at RP it may not have been so bad if there had been more honesty about 'regional' rugby. They are mostly club based and even the O's have a Swansea base. This isn't just a Newport issue, as we know Welsh rugby at club level is and has been in crisis for years and whilst this goes on the WRU by selling tickets via ticketmaster for Welsh games is a disgrace because the expense of those tickets have also alienated many supporters from the game. I think that new euro shirt is very apt because it truly reflects the mess that is NEWPORT GD's.RobFord

I've been supporting rugby at Newport for a very long time and have had a ST most of the time, but this is my last year, I've had enough. The crowd last weekend was just over 4000, so so poor for what was meant to be an enlargement of numbers when 'regional' rugby was introduced. NEWPORT GD's have failed since its inception and Newport RFC prior to this, with the exception of the Brown years, was a poor team also for a long time. The record and facts are there and yes coaching is vital, but it is the poor management that is ultimately responsible for creating success and they have failed consistently. I understand perfectly that the WRU have been selfish by creating success for the national side at the expense of so-called 'regional rugby' but like many supporters I have no time for the people in charge, they have no idea to run rugby as a business since the turn to professionalism. Okay Tony Brown is the exception, but he should have got rid of the old amateurs and developed a good business plan by bringing in other business interests. For me and I think for many others judging by the lack of numbers at RP it may not have been so bad if there had been more honesty about 'regional' rugby. They are mostly club based and even the O's have a Swansea base. This isn't just a Newport issue, as we know Welsh rugby at club level is and has been in crisis for years and whilst this goes on the WRU by selling tickets via ticketmaster for Welsh games is a disgrace because the expense of those tickets have also alienated many supporters from the game. I think that new euro shirt is very apt because it truly reflects the mess that is NEWPORT GD's.

Score: 0

Robert Shillabeer
2:04pm Tue 23 Oct 12

Doberman you say that more needs to be done, agree there needs to be a bit more detail made known about how the region ticks. I don't agree however with the slur that the management is amaturist. Most of the board are involved with some quiet successful companies or have been involved with running businesses amatur or professional they all need to make money or be efficient. I suggest you volunteer to run at board level at the Dragons to get an understanding f exactly they do, then perhaps you will understand a bit more about the problems of managing such a business. As for ring the head coach why not volunteer to shadow DE to get a better understanding of what he does. Just a suggestion.

Doberman you say that more needs to be done, agree there needs to be a bit more detail made known about how the region ticks. I don't agree however with the slur that the management is amaturist. Most of the board are involved with some quiet successful companies or have been involved with running businesses amatur or professional they all need to make money or be efficient. I suggest you volunteer to run at board level at the Dragons to get an understanding f exactly they do, then perhaps you will understand a bit more about the problems of managing such a business. As for ring the head coach why not volunteer to shadow DE to get a better understanding of what he does. Just a suggestion.Robert Shillabeer

Doberman you say that more needs to be done, agree there needs to be a bit more detail made known about how the region ticks. I don't agree however with the slur that the management is amaturist. Most of the board are involved with some quiet successful companies or have been involved with running businesses amatur or professional they all need to make money or be efficient. I suggest you volunteer to run at board level at the Dragons to get an understanding f exactly they do, then perhaps you will understand a bit more about the problems of managing such a business. As for ring the head coach why not volunteer to shadow DE to get a better understanding of what he does. Just a suggestion.

Score: 0

Dai the Milk
6:46pm Tue 23 Oct 12

Just a matter of time before this not-so-super club goes to the wall. That's what happens when you behave selfishly and form a club masquerading as a region to the exclusion of other Gwent clubs. Hoist by their own petard.

Just a matter of time before this not-so-super club goes to the wall. That's what happens when you behave selfishly and form a club masquerading as a region to the exclusion of other Gwent clubs. Hoist by their own petard.Dai the Milk

Just a matter of time before this not-so-super club goes to the wall. That's what happens when you behave selfishly and form a club masquerading as a region to the exclusion of other Gwent clubs. Hoist by their own petard.

Score: 0

[deleted]
10:22pm Tue 23 Oct 12

[deleted]

**** Dai, I don't swear very often but that is crap. Appologies for using such language. It really annoys me when plebs just talk such s**t. The regions are the first tier in Welsh rugby just like Irish rugby because to spread the better players to thinly will not improve the game in Wales and we would very soon be below the likes of Italy and other east European countries. There is not enough cash in Wales to support ten sides at such a good standard to meet the needs of the WRU, that's why the WRU must put more money not regional rugby or lose thier player stream and the loss of status and money into Welsh rugby resulting n the demise of rugby as the national sport which would still be played but at an amateur standard which very few people would find matter a s**t.Robert Shillabeer

**** Dai, I don't swear very often but that is crap. Appologies for using such language. It really annoys me when plebs just talk such s**t. The regions are the first tier in Welsh rugby just like Irish rugby because to spread the better players to thinly will not improve the game in Wales and we would very soon be below the likes of Italy and other east European countries. There is not enough cash in Wales to support ten sides at such a good standard to meet the needs of the WRU, that's why the WRU must put more money not regional rugby or lose thier player stream and the loss of status and money into Welsh rugby resulting n the demise of rugby as the national sport which would still be played but at an amateur standard which very few people would find matter a s**t.

Score: 0

corpardguy
12:51am Wed 24 Oct 12

OK OK everyone has staked their position........

Now hands up who thinks the board should resign?
Hands up who thinks its Lack of Cash?
Hands up who thinks DE should Go?
Hands up who thinks its the players not trying hard enough?
Hands up who thinks its conditioning?
hands up who thinks its because we are called NEWPORT Gwent Dragons?
Hands up who thinks its a ref's conspiracy?
Personally I think DE has had a good go at this and he is falling short. I think the players are working hard, and most can compete consistently with the rest of the Rabo on pretty equal basis (except the Front five). Often it seems there is no game plan and we REACT react to the opposition too much rather than taking the game to them especially at home! (thats DE fault in my book.)

Forget about the Ref's its out of our control, get on with it.
Boards not going anywhere soon, and anyway who would come in place??
DE can Go! Enough money, a Vision going forward, and a good challenge with a couple of good Wales/ world class palyers and a couple more just on the cusp should bring a few decent inquiries I believe. (Ruddock!??!)
Crowds follow success, Jesus! ....they even follow NGD....... They will come back.

OK OK everyone has staked their position........
Now hands up who thinks the board should resign?
Hands up who thinks its Lack of Cash?
Hands up who thinks DE should Go?
Hands up who thinks its the players not trying hard enough?
Hands up who thinks its conditioning?
hands up who thinks its because we are called NEWPORT Gwent Dragons?
Hands up who thinks its a ref's conspiracy?
Personally I think DE has had a good go at this and he is falling short. I think the players are working hard, and most can compete consistently with the rest of the Rabo on pretty equal basis (except the Front five). Often it seems there is no game plan and we REACT react to the opposition too much rather than taking the game to them especially at home! (thats DE fault in my book.)
Forget about the Ref's its out of our control, get on with it.
Boards not going anywhere soon, and anyway who would come in place??
DE can Go! Enough money, a Vision going forward, and a good challenge with a couple of good Wales/ world class palyers and a couple more just on the cusp should bring a few decent inquiries I believe. (Ruddock!??!)
Crowds follow success, Jesus! ....they even follow NGD....... They will come back.corpardguy

OK OK everyone has staked their position........

Now hands up who thinks the board should resign?
Hands up who thinks its Lack of Cash?
Hands up who thinks DE should Go?
Hands up who thinks its the players not trying hard enough?
Hands up who thinks its conditioning?
hands up who thinks its because we are called NEWPORT Gwent Dragons?
Hands up who thinks its a ref's conspiracy?
Personally I think DE has had a good go at this and he is falling short. I think the players are working hard, and most can compete consistently with the rest of the Rabo on pretty equal basis (except the Front five). Often it seems there is no game plan and we REACT react to the opposition too much rather than taking the game to them especially at home! (thats DE fault in my book.)

Forget about the Ref's its out of our control, get on with it.
Boards not going anywhere soon, and anyway who would come in place??
DE can Go! Enough money, a Vision going forward, and a good challenge with a couple of good Wales/ world class palyers and a couple more just on the cusp should bring a few decent inquiries I believe. (Ruddock!??!)
Crowds follow success, Jesus! ....they even follow NGD....... They will come back.

Score: 0

Doberman1
2:49pm Wed 24 Oct 12

Robert Shillabeer wrote…

**** Dai, I don't swear very often but that is crap. Appologies for using such language. It really annoys me when plebs just talk such s**t. The regions are the first tier in Welsh rugby just like Irish rugby because to spread the better players to thinly will not improve the game in Wales and we would very soon be below the likes of Italy and other east European countries. There is not enough cash in Wales to support ten sides at such a good standard to meet the needs of the WRU, that's why the WRU must put more money not regional rugby or lose thier player stream and the loss of status and money into Welsh rugby resulting n the demise of rugby as the national sport which would still be played but at an amateur standard which very few people would find matter a s**t.

Plebs.....come on Robert, you need to be better than that. It's a debate not an insult forum.

[quote][p][bold]Robert Shillabeer[/bold] wrote:
**** Dai, I don't swear very often but that is crap. Appologies for using such language. It really annoys me when plebs just talk such s**t. The regions are the first tier in Welsh rugby just like Irish rugby because to spread the better players to thinly will not improve the game in Wales and we would very soon be below the likes of Italy and other east European countries. There is not enough cash in Wales to support ten sides at such a good standard to meet the needs of the WRU, that's why the WRU must put more money not regional rugby or lose thier player stream and the loss of status and money into Welsh rugby resulting n the demise of rugby as the national sport which would still be played but at an amateur standard which very few people would find matter a s**t.[/p][/quote]Plebs.....come on Robert, you need to be better than that. It's a debate not an insult forum.Doberman1

Robert Shillabeer wrote…

**** Dai, I don't swear very often but that is crap. Appologies for using such language. It really annoys me when plebs just talk such s**t. The regions are the first tier in Welsh rugby just like Irish rugby because to spread the better players to thinly will not improve the game in Wales and we would very soon be below the likes of Italy and other east European countries. There is not enough cash in Wales to support ten sides at such a good standard to meet the needs of the WRU, that's why the WRU must put more money not regional rugby or lose thier player stream and the loss of status and money into Welsh rugby resulting n the demise of rugby as the national sport which would still be played but at an amateur standard which very few people would find matter a s**t.

Plebs.....come on Robert, you need to be better than that. It's a debate not an insult forum.

Score: 0

Robert Shillabeer
3:04pm Wed 24 Oct 12

Thought that would get a comment, don't agree with the term one bit but it got a reaction. There are far to many postings on this forum about individuals competence, discuss if they are right or wrong in what. They do but don't question thier competence as some have. Just try and do it for a while and you may well understand the problems they face is all I was trying to suggest.

Thought that would get a comment, don't agree with the term one bit but it got a reaction. There are far to many postings on this forum about individuals competence, discuss if they are right or wrong in what. They do but don't question thier competence as some have. Just try and do it for a while and you may well understand the problems they face is all I was trying to suggest.Robert Shillabeer

Thought that would get a comment, don't agree with the term one bit but it got a reaction. There are far to many postings on this forum about individuals competence, discuss if they are right or wrong in what. They do but don't question thier competence as some have. Just try and do it for a while and you may well understand the problems they face is all I was trying to suggest.

Score: 0

Robert Shillabeer
11:35pm Wed 24 Oct 12

Seems I've over stepped the bounds of fair comment, the moderators have been in touch. No offence was intended but suffice to say its a two way road. I will observe the moderators comments and expect other to do the same, I am entitled to my view so please fair comment in future.

Seems I've over stepped the bounds of fair comment, the moderators have been in touch. No offence was intended but suffice to say its a two way road. I will observe the moderators comments and expect other to do the same, I am entitled to my view so please fair comment in future.Robert Shillabeer

Seems I've over stepped the bounds of fair comment, the moderators have been in touch. No offence was intended but suffice to say its a two way road. I will observe the moderators comments and expect other to do the same, I am entitled to my view so please fair comment in future.

Score: 0

Doberman1
3:06pm Thu 25 Oct 12

Robert Shillabeer wrote…

Seems I've over stepped the bounds of fair comment, the moderators have been in touch. No offence was intended but suffice to say its a two way road. I will observe the moderators comments and expect other to do the same, I am entitled to my view so please fair comment in future.

No one has insulted you Robert, you may try and remember that. The credibility of your debate vanishes when you resort to insults, no matter how you try and justify it.

[quote][p][bold]Robert Shillabeer[/bold] wrote:
Seems I've over stepped the bounds of fair comment, the moderators have been in touch. No offence was intended but suffice to say its a two way road. I will observe the moderators comments and expect other to do the same, I am entitled to my view so please fair comment in future.[/p][/quote]No one has insulted you Robert, you may try and remember that. The credibility of your debate vanishes when you resort to insults, no matter how you try and justify it.Doberman1

Robert Shillabeer wrote…

Seems I've over stepped the bounds of fair comment, the moderators have been in touch. No offence was intended but suffice to say its a two way road. I will observe the moderators comments and expect other to do the same, I am entitled to my view so please fair comment in future.

No one has insulted you Robert, you may try and remember that. The credibility of your debate vanishes when you resort to insults, no matter how you try and justify it.

Score: 0

Robert Shillabeer
9:51pm Thu 25 Oct 12

To be accused of burying ones head in the sand among other untruths is to me an insult. I took quite a bit even being accused of being DE's wife, how mush more insults does it take to get one so damned annoyed I even angered the moderator. Rough nerves perhaps but one can go too far.

To be accused of burying ones head in the sand among other untruths is to me an insult. I took quite a bit even being accused of being DE's wife, how mush more insults does it take to get one so damned annoyed I even angered the moderator. Rough nerves perhaps but one can go too far.Robert Shillabeer

To be accused of burying ones head in the sand among other untruths is to me an insult. I took quite a bit even being accused of being DE's wife, how mush more insults does it take to get one so damned annoyed I even angered the moderator. Rough nerves perhaps but one can go too far.

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